Special-needs cat Tashi finds a home after becoming a YouTube star at Tabby's Place in Ringoes

Not many cats have hundreds of fans from around the world or scores of page views on YouTube.

But Tashi, a once-stray paraplegic cat who has made Tabby’s Place his home for the past three years, has endeared himself to fans with his story and engaging personality.

He has fans from as far away as England, Australia and the United Arab Emirates who rallied behind him as he made progress in his physical therapy.

Videos show the brown tabby slithering on the floor on the strength of his front legs as he drags his hind limbs behind him, but with time, he defied odds — lunging toward a dangling string in one video and standing for several minutes at a time while playing with a three-day-old goat in another.

“Each one is as different as a fingerprint,” said Angela Townsend, director of development at Tabby’s Place, a cage-free cat sanctuary in Ringoes. “We learned as we went along.”

In November 2008, Tashi was brought to Tabby’s Place after a group caring for a feral colony in Ohio found him as a kitten — paralyzed, incontinent and asthmatic.
“He was full of fire and this amazing light spark from the first day,” Townsend said, describing him as playful, feisty and determined.

Last month, the beloved feline finally found a permanent home when the Weidner family from Horsham, Pa., adopted him and Gabriella, a neurologically-disabled cat.

Rori, the mother, said her cat-loving family was ready to adopt again after their special-needs cat, Priscilla, died.

“We wanted to open our hearts and homes to another one,” she said. “They bring out the best in you. You don’t see their disability, just that loving personality.”

Far too often seemingly simple tasks are taken for granted like jumping atop furniture or playing with a certain toy, she said.

“You’re overwhelmed and excited when they’re able to make a big accomplishment,” she said.

Tashi and Gabriella caught her eye on the sanctuary’s website, prompting her to fill out an application. Shortly after New Year’s, Weidner, her two young sons and parents visited Tabby’s Place.

“It was love at first sight,” she said of Tashi.

Gabriella, who can’t walk, had a corner to herself with cubbies and a large blanket she rolled around in.

“We saw her and immediately fell in love with her,” she said. “We had the intention of adopting one cat, but we couldn’t leave one behind and take one with us.”

The cats’ departure was bittersweet, Townsend said.

“Just when you think you have a cat that’s unadoptable, along comes Rori to sweep them up and love them forever just the way they are,” she said. “Tashi and Gabby were a big part of our hearts and always will be.”

The Tabby’s Place staff worked with Tashi every day, helping him to strengthen the muscles in his back legs and build up his core.

Weidner carries out the daily routine with him by doing exercises two to three times a day.
“Little by little, he comes around a little bit more,” she said. “If he could regain some use of his back leg, that would be great, but if not we love him no matter what. … It doesn’t feel like extra work because they give you love and affection in return.”

Weidner said Tashi and Gabriella have become fast friends with the family’s other two cats.

“We knew early on that he was a wonder to behold. … We wanted to share Tashi with a wider audience than would ever come to Ringoes,” Townsend said. “To see him is to love him and to be encouraged by him. If he can face life with such courage and joy, then maybe we can too.”

Tashi had more than 100 monthly sponsors who virtually adopted him. Fans enamored with the sanctuary’s special-needs cats virtually adopt them, with the money going toward their medical needs.

“They might fall in love with them but they’re not in a position to care for them hands-on,” Townsend said.

The adoption of Tashi and Gabriella simply means Tabby’s Place can save more cats at risk of euthanization.

“We look forward when we are no longer needed because every cat has a home,” Townsend said.

To meet other adoptable cats, visit Tabby’s Place at 1100 Route 202, Ringoes, East Amwell Township or go to tabbysplace.org.